Media Notes

In Houston, David Barron notes Fox Sports “may have lost the rights to the Astros’ and Rockets’ games beginning in 2012-13, but it isn’t going down quietly.” Fox has “purchased full-page advertisements” in several Texas newspapers congratulating the Rangers on making it to the World Series and referring to the team as “Texas’ Baseball Team.” Fox also has “purchased space for similar advertisements on six billboards across Houston” that will remain in place for a month. Barron writes the ads and billboards are the “opening salvo in what is expected to be an ongoing effort by Fox to boost the Rangers’ presence and, ultimately, their TV ratings, across the southern half of Texas” (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 11/3).

NO REMORSE HERE: In Indianapolis, Curt Cavin notes Deadspin Editor A.J. Daulerio “has no regrets about paying an informant for nude photos” said to be of Vikings QB Brett Favre and then “keeping the man’s identity secret.” Daulerio, speaking at a sports media ethics discussion at IUPUI, said he has “not one bit” of regret, adding, “That’s just how I operate.” Daulerio “admitted to publishing the story without clear permission” from former Jets employee Jenn Sterger, who allegedly received the voicemails and photos from Favre (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 11/3).

ACROSS THE DIAL: In Pittsburgh, Adrian McCoy reports WBGG-AM will air select ESPN Radio programs beginning Jan. 1. ESPN's syndicated programming currently is heard on WEAE-AM, which “dropped its local sports talk programming in September.” WBGG’s new lineup will feature ESPN’s “Mike & Mike in the Morning” and “The Scott Van Pelt Show” in the afternoon (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 11/3).

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW: In Charlotte, Rick Bonnell noted Time Warner Cable in Charlotte, Greensboro and Winston-Salem is “adding a channel for SportSouth HD on its digital tier in early November,” allowing Bobcats fans to “watch games in high-definition” (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 10/30).